Coupling of diagenetic alterations and mechanical properties of Lower Permian siliciclastic sandstones: a pilot study

Abstract Initial detrital composition and authigenic alterations during diagenesis of three sandstone types are related to their mechanical properties. Sandstones were prepared for geotechnical standard tests [density, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Young’s modulus ( E ), strain at failure ? )] thin sections petrographic analyses (point counting). UCS ranges from 3 62 MPa positively correlates with density (1.75–2.35 g/cm ) (0.3–12.7 GPa). Optical porosity is controlling these parameters was linked diagenetic alterations. Diagenetic affecting reduction the abundance clay minerals, intensity chemical compaction. The latter controlled by mineral coatings on contacts between grains, occurrence quartz dolomite. Horizontal contact lengths grains normalized respective particle diameter (effective ratio, ECR) identified as a control properties , reflected rock index S R . results this pilot study suggest that able predict based information obtained studied samples. These enhance understanding coupling mineralogy geomechanics highlight impact geomechanical behavior.